Advent

The Christmas season is such an exciting, joyous, 

and FUN season.

It's a time to dwell on the miracle of Christ's birth.

 This is also a hustle and bustle season. 

I usually set too many goals for myself and have a list WAY too long for one person to accomplish.  

I tell myself I'm doing all this fun 'stuff' for my girls 
but in reality I can easily neglect them in the middle of all the 
'holly jolly' preparing.

 But Advent is a special time to prepare for Christ's birth.

With all the fun things overflowing my calendar, 
I need to ask- how many of them are really focusing on the true meaning of Christmas?

So this year, we're slowing down a bit. 

We're embracing Advent 

and trying to spend quality time with the girls. 

So here are a few fun things we do to embrace this season together.

These little stockings are filled with notes with fun activities.
I'm most excited about the 'Random Acts of Kindness'.
More on that later!

On December 1st it said to make a countdown chain.

Yesterday we decorated a gingerbread house.

(I highly recommend the one from Costco- it's already put together!  Booyah!)

My folks mail the girls an Advent calendar every year.

We build the nativity scene using this fun set from Family Life

The girls LOVE their new Little People Nativity set.

( I just have to share that I scored the Little People set BRAND NEW for 6 bucks at Goodwill.
 To say I was excited is an understatement!)


I wrapped all the Christmas books again.  
They love waking up to unwrapping a book. 

And every night we light a candle on our Advent wreath 
and read scripture.
This is a tradition I grew up doing, so I love making it a part of my little family's traditions.

This is such a special season.
My hope for my family is that we embrace it together and not miss the meaningful moments by being too busy with activities.

So, what fun things does your family do 

to prepare for Christmas?